Author Topic: Spanish Football (Read 584146 times)

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #3040 on:** February 10, 2018, 09:43:25 pm »

It can't be overstated how good a job Mendilibar is doing at Eibar. These guys play in a stadium with a capacity of just over 7000! They've accumulated 24 points from the last 12 games and are up to 6th now. If Valencia slump and Villarreal continue to falter they're right there to take advantage. Incredible stuff really.

Ravishing Rick Dude · « **Reply #3041 on:** February 11, 2018, 05:37:53 pm »

Barca 0-0 today. I heard coutinho was shit.

deFacto please, you bastards · « **Reply #3042 on:** February 11, 2018, 07:29:58 pm »

Atleti putting Barca under pressure somewhat, seven point gap.

SamAteTheRedAcid · « **Reply #3043 on:** February 11, 2018, 08:27:53 pm »

I swear I was watching the Barca game and Suarez scored to put them one up. I turned it off soon after but I must have obviously missed it being (rightly) called offside and chalked off. Weird.

robgomm · « **Reply #3044 on:** February 11, 2018, 09:10:27 pm »

If you think your team is unlucky, Levante just had a goal disallowed from a corner after a Valencia player was pushed over...by one of his own teammates. Valencia went up the other end and scored.

jillcwhomever · « **Reply #3045 on:** February 11, 2018, 09:25:56 pm »

Quote from: Rick-40 on February 11, 2018, 05:37:53 pm

Barca 0-0 today. I heard coutinho was shit.

Some Barca fans already writing him off, how many games has he played? Ridiculous.

robgomm · « **Reply #3046 on:** February 11, 2018, 09:33:38 pm »

Quote from: robgomm on February 11, 2018, 09:10:27 pm

If you think your team is unlucky, Levante just had a goal disallowed from a corner after a Valencia player was pushed over...by one of his own teammates. Valencia went up the other end and scored.

Now they've had a penalty given against them for a foul ON THEIR PLAYER. Amazing. 3-1 down and granted, Valencia well deserve to win but what a ridiculous couple of decisions.

deFacto please, you bastards · « **Reply #3047 on:** February 11, 2018, 10:14:18 pm »

Quote from: jillc on February 11, 2018, 09:25:56 pm

Some Barca fans already writing him off, how many games has he played? Ridiculous.

Clueless lot, but he got what he wanted.

Xxavi · « **Reply #3048 on:** February 11, 2018, 11:22:05 pm »

Quote from: jillc on February 11, 2018, 09:25:56 pm

Some Barca fans already writing him off, how many games has he played? Ridiculous.

That would be, as always, a very small minority, and there's no point in arguing the views of those. I am sure there has been a minority of LFC fans who have been asking for Klopp's head, too. It is really pointless to discuss such things here.

My own feeling is that Barca didn't need Coutinho, not at that price anyway. I just refuse to believe that Barca academy (or other academies in Spain) stopped producing good midfielders. Strikers and defenders tend to be hit or miss, but Barca academy and Spanish youth teams are littered with brilliant young talent. I cannot justify Coutinho's price tag, and I think nobody can, unless he comes in and stamps his authority and decides games. Has he done that so far? No. Will he do that? Remains to be seen.

Somewhat related to this, we have also heard a lot about Griezmann to Barca rumors. If that happens, Barca attack and midfield will have Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic, Coutinho, Dembele, Griezmann, Suarez and Messi. How do these all start? I have no clue, but all of these would expect to start. Again, this makes me think that the Coutinho transfer was unnecessary as Barca could have lined up with Messi as the attacking midfielder:
------------------Busquets
-----------Messi-----------Iniesta
Dembele------------------------Griezmann
--------------Suarez

Suareznumber7 · « **Reply #3049 on:** February 12, 2018, 01:48:10 pm »

Quote from: Xxavi on February 11, 2018, 11:22:05 pm

That would be, as always, a very small minority, and there's no point in arguing the views of those. I am sure there has been a minority of LFC fans who have been asking for Klopp's head, too. It is really pointless to discuss such things here.

My own feeling is that Barca didn't need Coutinho, not at that price anyway. I just refuse to believe that Barca academy (or other academies in Spain) stopped producing good midfielders. Strikers and defenders tend to be hit or miss, but Barca academy and Spanish youth teams are littered with brilliant young talent. I cannot justify Coutinho's price tag, and I think nobody can, unless he comes in and stamps his authority and decides games. Has he done that so far? No. Will he do that? Remains to be seen.

Somewhat related to this, we have also heard a lot about Griezmann to Barca rumors. If that happens, Barca attack and midfield will have Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic, Coutinho, Dembele, Griezmann, Suarez and Messi. How do these all start? I have no clue, but all of these would expect to start. Again, this makes me think that the Coutinho transfer was unnecessary as Barca could have lined up with Messi as the attacking midfielder:
------------------Busquets
-----------Messi-----------Iniesta
Dembele------------------------Griezmann
--------------Suarez

I would think, just a guess of course, that the players rotated for Griezmann and Coutinho would be Suarez and Iniesta, who both are getting up there in age. Of course, Barcelona play a lot of games so there would be plenty to go around. The manager would have some difficult decisions come the big games though.

The other main problem, of course, is that the current board have no idea what they are doing and have completely ignored the talents coming out of La Masía.

Ravishing Rick Dude · « **Reply #3050 on:** February 12, 2018, 01:55:36 pm »

Quote from: deFacto on February 11, 2018, 10:14:18 pm

Clueless lot, but he got what he wanted.

Yup.

ArthurDent · « **Reply #3051 on:** February 12, 2018, 03:51:17 pm »

Quote from: jillc on February 11, 2018, 09:25:56 pm

Some Barca fans already writing him off, how many games has he played? Ridiculous.

Well isn't that really sad.

oojason · « **Reply #3052 on:** February 17, 2018, 03:28:15 pm »

Eibar vs Barcelona - 3.15pm ko

0-0, 11 mins in - Eibar have them on the back foot so far...

http://f1livegp.stream/soccer/soccer.html or http://streamspn.com/tv/beins (both with Ray

)

more here - https://www.reddit.com/r/soccerstreams/comments/7y6vnz/1515_gmt_eibar_x_barcelona/

El Lobo · « **Reply #3053 on:** February 17, 2018, 03:29:26 pm »

Coutinho starting so they can rest Inies......oh.

oojason · « **Reply #3054 on:** February 17, 2018, 03:32:43 pm »

^

Aye, a bit weird that decision.

1-0 to Barca. Suarez on 16 mins - https://streamja.com/egJ

2-0 to Barca. Alba on 88 mins - https://streamja.com/PaQ

https://www.flashscores.co.uk/football/spain/laliga/

vallapureddy · « **Reply #3055 on:** February 17, 2018, 05:00:48 pm »

that was hell of a ball from coutinho for the goal..

disgraced cake · « **Reply #3056 on:** February 17, 2018, 06:50:27 pm »

Alaves 1-0 up, great goal from Munir. Didn't know he's only 22, thought he'd be at least 24 by now as he's one I've thought has been around for ages. Had a couple of loans at this point so interesting to see where he is next season

Nick110581 · « **Reply #3057 on:** February 18, 2018, 08:58:14 am »

Quote from: vallapureddy on February 17, 2018, 05:00:48 pm

that was hell of a ball from coutinho for the goal..

Good pass but he’s not starting regularly so makes his insistence to move even more bizarre.

mallin9 · « **Reply #3058 on:** February 18, 2018, 01:19:22 pm »

Suarez having another strong season, odd, can we get an update from xxavi on just how broken down old man Suarez is? Christ was he banging that drum last year..

robgomm · « **Reply #3059 on:** February 18, 2018, 02:16:14 pm »

I thought he'd had a (marginally) worse season this year?! He scored bucketloads last season. I know he's had a few tricky spells, not scored in Europe yet this season for example but he can fix that next week.

31 and he's got 17 in 21 in the league.

elsewhere · « **Reply #3060 on:** February 18, 2018, 04:43:34 pm »

Atletico will manage to get another 1-0 victory at home. Terrible football to watch like United but effective and still much better pace with the ball than United.

kloppismydad · « **Reply #3061 on:** February 18, 2018, 05:16:58 pm »

The Valverde comments about Coutinho don't seem too great for him. They'll have him as a back-up as long as Iniesta is able to play regularly, and that isn't a good look for a player bought for so much money.

He'll get a run out properly next season only, it seems. Needs to train and understand the system. And hope for a massive decline in Iniesta's game.

deFacto please, you bastards · « **Reply #3062 on:** February 18, 2018, 05:43:50 pm »

Quote from: kloppismydad on February 18, 2018, 05:16:58 pm

The Valverde comments about Coutinho don't seem too great for him. They'll have him as a back-up as long as Iniesta is able to play regularly, and that isn't a good look for a player bought for so much money.

He'll get a run out properly next season only, it seems. Needs to train and understand the system. And hope for a massive decline in Iniesta's game.

I will laugh if he loses his starting place for Brazil.

robgomm · « **Reply #3063 on:** February 18, 2018, 05:44:00 pm »

Probably why he wanted to go now because it'll take a while to adapt. It's not just him or Iniesta, there's Rakitic and Paulinho for him to displace too and he's got a shot with any of them and he's got years on them. Thinking long-term, for me Coutinho will become a key player.

Xxavi · « **Reply #3064 on:** February 18, 2018, 05:54:12 pm »

Quote from: kloppismydad on February 18, 2018, 05:16:58 pm

The Valverde comments about Coutinho don't seem too great for him. They'll have him as a back-up as long as Iniesta is able to play regularly, and that isn't a good look for a player bought for so much money.

He'll get a run out properly next season only, it seems. Needs to train and understand the system. And hope for a massive decline in Iniesta's game.

I think Valverde is open to Iniesta leaving, at least that's what I understood from his comments re Iniesta-to-China questions. However, in a big match, Iniesta is always dependable, shows up. If he does that again in CL (where Coutinho cannot play), it will not be an easy walk into the 1st team for Coutinho.

This is in part why I said that buying Coutinho for 142m was a wrong decision. For that kind of money, you don't want a player to merely compete for a 1st team spot, for that kind of money, you want to buy a player who completely changes the team, elevates to the next level. Especially if Barca buy Griezmann in the summer, as rumored, I cannot see how all of these stars start together. Someone would have to be benched, someone very very expensive.

jillcwhomever · « **Reply #3065 on:** February 18, 2018, 05:55:46 pm »

Quote from: deFacto on February 18, 2018, 05:43:50 pm

I will laugh if he loses his starting place for Brazil.

The Brazilian coach has already said only those playing on a regular basis will get picked, he is taking a huge risk.

Xxavi · « **Reply #3066 on:** February 18, 2018, 05:56:39 pm »

Quote from: jillc on February 18, 2018, 05:55:46 pm

The Brazilian coach has already said only those playing on a regular basis will get picked, he is taking a huge risk.

What is his competition for a BRazil spot?

killer-heels · « **Reply #3067 on:** February 18, 2018, 05:58:11 pm »

Quote from: kloppismydad on February 18, 2018, 05:16:58 pm

The Valverde comments about Coutinho don't seem too great for him. They'll have him as a back-up as long as Iniesta is able to play regularly, and that isn't a good look for a player bought for so much money.

He'll get a run out properly next season only, it seems. Needs to train and understand the system. And hope for a massive decline in Iniesta's game.

What did he say?

jillcwhomever · « **Reply #3068 on:** February 18, 2018, 06:02:24 pm »

Quote from: Xxavi on February 18, 2018, 05:56:39 pm

What is his competition for a BRazil spot?

It looks like he has had a change of heart, but then he was one the people who wanted Coutinho to move to Barcelona. He had originally said anyone not playing would not get picked by Brazil. I have just come across this interview though.

Roberto Firmino and Willian among players promised Brazil World Cup spot by Tite
http://shr.gs/o8WZBxG

Xxavi · « **Reply #3069 on:** February 18, 2018, 06:04:25 pm »

Quote from: jillc on February 18, 2018, 06:02:24 pm

It looks like he has had a change of heart, but then he was one the people who wanted Coutinho to move to Barcelona. He had originally said anyone not playing would not get picked by Brazil. I have just come across this interview though.

Roberto Firmino and Willian among players promised Brazil World Cup spot by Tite
http://shr.gs/o8WZBxG

Yeah, I think several Brazilian stars and the coach himself wanted Coutinho at Barca. The likes of Neymar are buddies with him.

Whether he plays regularly or not for Barca, I think he will start for them. Cannot think of many players in his position. Willian is a winger, isn't he?

kloppismydad · « **Reply #3070 on:** February 18, 2018, 06:06:20 pm »

Quote from: Xxavi on February 18, 2018, 05:54:12 pm

I think Valverde is open to Iniesta leaving, at least that's what I understood from his comments re Iniesta-to-China questions. However, in a big match, Iniesta is always dependable, shows up. If he does that again in CL (where Coutinho cannot play), it will not be an easy walk into the 1st team for Coutinho.

This is in part why I said that buying Coutinho for 142m was a wrong decision. For that kind of money, you don't want a player to merely compete for a 1st team spot, for that kind of money, you want to buy a player who completely changes the team, elevates to the next level. Especially if Barca buy Griezmann in the summer, as rumored, I cannot see how all of these stars start together. Someone would have to be benched, someone very very expensive.

Wouldn't Barca supporters be angry if Iniesta was allowed to go to China, especially if he performs well in the CL, like you mention? Like Rob mentions in the quoted post below, he probably has a better chance of displacing Paulinho or Rakitic next season. I don't think he will get a lot of starts this season because Valverde will want to maintain the balance of the team for all matches.

Quote from: robgomm on February 18, 2018, 05:44:00 pm

Probably why he wanted to go now because it'll take a while to adapt. It's not just him or Iniesta, there's Rakitic and Paulinho for him to displace too and he's got a shot with any of them and he's got years on them. Thinking long-term, for me Coutinho will become a key player.

Agreed, but long-term, you'll see a decline in Suarez and Messi. Dembele is having injury issues. Will he play on the wings in attack, or his preferred attacking CM role? Because I also see Messi continuing to drop deeper, where he'll want to dictate play similar to how Coutinho does. Is Messi the replacement to Iniesta, while Griezmann will take Messi's spot?

Quote from: jillc on February 18, 2018, 05:55:46 pm

The Brazilian coach has already said only those playing on a regular basis will get picked, he is taking a huge risk.

Nah, he'll be selected. He's too good to be ignored, even if he doesn't play regularly. And it helps that he's good mates with Neymar, who'll ensure he gets picked.

kloppismydad · « **Reply #3071 on:** February 18, 2018, 06:08:05 pm »

Quote from: a treeless whopper on February 18, 2018, 05:58:11 pm

What did he say?

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/philippe-coutinho-valverde-barcelona-barca-eibar-laliga/f1xozak4j1lv128kaxn34yoa2

"Coutinho dropped for the good of Barcelona - Valverde"

elsewhere · « **Reply #3072 on:** February 18, 2018, 06:08:26 pm »

He will rotate this year as he wasn't bought for this year imo and I can't imagine Barcelona buying a player for that price to be back up. But there is no way he will lose his place in Brazil team.

jillcwhomever · « **Reply #3073 on:** February 18, 2018, 06:09:03 pm »

Quote from: Xxavi on February 18, 2018, 06:04:25 pm

Yeah, I think several Brazilian stars and the coach himself wanted Coutinho at Barca. The likes of Neymar are buddies with him.

Whether he plays regularly or not for Barca, I think he will start for them. Cannot think of many players in his position. Willian is a winger, isn't he?

Willian has played there before, but it looks as though the coach has changed his mind so he should be okay.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #3074 on:** February 18, 2018, 06:09:47 pm »

I think this is actually a perfect introduction to Barcelona. Valverde is keeping fans' expectations down with this move, while gradually bringing him into the fold ready to go at full pelt next season.

elsewhere · « **Reply #3075 on:** February 18, 2018, 06:12:03 pm »

I wonder how Valverde will set up the team once Dembele is back.

Xxavi · « **Reply #3076 on:** February 18, 2018, 06:18:02 pm »

Quote from: kloppismydad on February 18, 2018, 06:06:20 pm

Wouldn't Barca supporters be angry if Iniesta was allowed to go to China, especially if he performs well in the CL, like you mention? Like Rob mentions in the quoted post below, he probably has a better chance of displacing Paulinho or Rakitic next season. I don't think he will get a lot of starts this season because Valverde will want to maintain the balance of the team for all matches.

I personally would be against Iniesta leaving, but Valverde said he is "ready to discuss Iniesta-to-China if an offer arrives". Maybe he wants to play Coutinho, but also feels he must play Iniesta?

Re-Rakitic/Paulinho, that's exactly how I would do, i.e., I'd use a midfield trip of Busquets-Iniesta-Coutinho. But Valverde often goes 4-4-2 with 2 in the middle. So it is hard to start 3 midfielders like that. Coutinho gets shifted to the right and midfield 2 needs to be stronger in 4-4-2.

Quote

Agreed, but long-term, you'll see a decline in Suarez and Messi. Dembele is having injury issues. Will he play on the wings in attack, or his preferred attacking CM role? Because I also see Messi continuing to drop deeper, where he'll want to dictate play similar to how Coutinho does. Is Messi the replacement to Iniesta, while Griezmann will take Messi's spot?

Again, that's the only real "solution" I see. Have a trio of Dembele, Griezmann and Suarez up top and Messi behind in Iniesta's role. Where does Coutinho play I have no idea. Presumably also a part of a trio of midfield, but the line-up looks way too attacking:
------Busquets
Messi---------Coutinho

Dembele-Suarez--Griezmann

Ravishing Rick Dude · « **Reply #3077 on:** February 18, 2018, 06:51:18 pm »

I really hope the c*nts won't get Griezmann. Too bad that A.Madrid can't keep their players. In the last couple of years, they are fighting with two most horrible clubs on earth.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #3078 on:** February 18, 2018, 07:03:27 pm »

Griezmann is levels below what Barcelona already have in my opinion. He's good but I don't rate him that highly.

elsewhere · « **Reply #3079 on:** February 18, 2018, 07:09:44 pm »

Quote from: Gerry Attrick on February 18, 2018, 07:03:27 pm

Griezmann is levels below what Barcelona already have in my opinion. He's good but I don't rate him that highly.

I think he is a great player but who will get the cut?